The effect of edge activator on the evolution and application of a nonionic surfactant: The elastic vesicular system

Abstract

Vesicular drug delivery as part of the colloidal system was evolved to entrap a hydrophobic drug as well as a hydrophilic drug. The tremendous potential of this system lies in ensuring the targeted and controlled release of the drug molecules to reduce the toxicity and side effects. Liposomes and niosomes are the first duos of the vesicular system to be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. However, the lack of elasticity in this formulation prevents its success on the market. To overcome the obstacles, additional formulation changes were made to the existing vesicle. These modifications were attributed to the one component termed edge activator (EA), which added an elasticity factor to the vesicle system. Based on the formulation and EA, the vesicular system transits in the liposome to the spanlastic system. Spanlastics are surfactant‐based nanovesicles that are elastic, malleable, and given that it is a vesicular system with polar and nonpolar components, it can retain both hydrophilic and lipophilic medications. A modified method of medication delivery may also be possible. This review article discusses the recent approaches to the evolution of nonionic surfactant vesicular systems with respect to their method of preparation, effects of EA, and therapeutic application of spanlastic.